Posts Tagged ‘Talia Joy Castellano’

I’ve spent a lot of time recently, thinking about the summer, and all that I hoped to do. The summer definitely did not turn out as planned, but there were big blessings and lessons in trusting and faith that I am eternally grateful for, and, looking back, I wouldn’t ask for anything else. I had hoped to go to California, New York, Maryland, and Disney World. Instead, it was considered a good week if I could make it out of bed and go somewhere local for a couple of hours. I love my gift of foreseeing the future, and while at times it can be frustrating not to be able to foresee my own, I certainly understand why, in the long run, that, too, is a blessing. If I knew that I would get two kidney infections, a stomach infection, have countless days with fever and pain, multiple trips to the E.R., and two hospitalizations this summer, I might have tried to build my own time machine, and get the hell out of this lifetime. However, not knowing that all of that was in store this summer, theres no time machine in my closet, and I have learned multiple lessons about my own strength and about being grateful for even the smallest moments that are pain or fever-free. I’ve also learned to submerge myself in the harmonious waves of music that has always served as my lifejacket in life, to keep me from drowning, when the storms come rolling in one after another. Literally, when I lose my breath from pain, music breathes new life into my body.

I have also found myself repeatedly thankful for social media. We hear of many negative things about social media, bullying and the loss of social interaction as a symptom of a society obsessed with technology. Very seldom do we focus on the positive aspects of social media. Lately, I have been recognizing and grateful for the positives of social media. YouTube videos have become a therapeutic outlet to share my journey and, at the same time, a motivator to connect and work with make-up, when the last thing I’m feeling is beautiful. I learned to use YouTube as my therapy, and find passion with the art of make-up, from one the greatest inspirations and make-up gurus ever born, Talia Joy Castellano.

Tomorrow is her birthday, and while she is no longer here with us in the physical form, all those that love her, have chosen to celebrate the day that she was born, and all the blessings that her life poured upon the world, in large part, through social media.

On days when I miss my long hair, and the multitude of colors that it has been over the years, I watch her videos for inspiration, to make me proud to be part of the “Bald is Beautiful” crowd. YouTube has also allowed me to chronicle the blessings and fun memories sprinkled in moments of calm before the next storm. Also, social media has allowed me to reach out, publicly, as I’ve needed a helping hand to brace the storms that illness can bestow on you financially. The response I’ve received in terms of financial donations, big and small, prayers, and care packages, has truly been overwhelming and kept me going during these last few rounds of the battle to be well. I wanted to extend my sincerest thank you and, while neither the storms nor the battle are far from over, the light at the end of the tunnel has begun to seep through and become visible, allowing me once again, to stay focused on my career goals of creating a larger platform from which to inspire, uplift and share love with all walks of life. Though most of my day tomorrow will be spent in the doctor’s office, keeping the beast at bay, I will be watching YouTube and sharing Talia’s story multiple times, with other patients and medical practitioners, who always seem to approach and say, “Hey there! What’cha watching?” I wish, more than anything, Talia could still be here, in the flesh, to celebrate her birthday Hawaiian style with her family and friends. While this is impossible, I do find comfort in knowing that she will, most certainly, be able to multi-task in spirit and be with her family, friends and drop in on me at the doctor all at the same time.

Ironically, my communication with Talia happened via the computer, and a majority of my interaction with others, is happening through e-mail. I find great joy in doing the e-mail readings because they are logistically easier, allowing me to work on them when I’m feeling well, while simultaneously preventing exposure to others, for fear of catching something because of my lowered immune system. The e-mail readings also force me to use my gift in a different way. I have to contain the energy connection, made when connecting to the composer of the e-mail, and become even more meticulous with my listening skills, to translate the messages from Spirit onto the page. There is a subtlety and precision that comes with this form of reading, that carries with it, a different type of frequency and focus needed. This e-mail-based time period of work will only enhance my gift, and from it, spiritual development has certainly emerged. Among my newly-inspired social media projects, is my account on the Periscope platform. This is a mobile cell phone app, that allows you to video yourself live, and connect with those that follow you on Periscope. This app gives me the opportunity to, once again, begin doing my radio show, Latte of Heaven, that I dearly loved doing, weekly, over the internet. I plan to broadcast, ia Periscope, once a week, Thursday nights at 7 p.m. EST, allowing for followers to ask question s and interact during each broadcast covering an array of spiritual topics, inspiration, and hopefully entertainment along the way. Of course, I will use that platform to also spread awareness about childhood cancer within the parameters of the predominantly spiritual broadcast.

I pray that as each of you look back over your summer, you find the blessings within even the darkest storms, that are there to, ultimately, teach us lessons in gratitude for life’s beautiful summer, sunny daze.

The last couple of months have been such a roller coaster, filled with extremely high peaks and equally low valleys. Dealing with an illness is a constant battle, because each day, and sometimes, even each hour, is unpredictable. This being said, I’m so grateful for the support I have from friends who are more like family, and the community as a whole, particularly my spiritual community made up of friends/clients and everything in between. So often, people are concerned and tell me to rest or put myself first, and while I know the intention is coming from a good place, often, doing the readings is, in a way, putting myself first, because it allows me to rise above the physical experience, and connect to that ever-present love energy where perfection is not only present, but becomes attainable during the readings. The other aspect to putting myself first is the readings help to pay for transportation to get to my doctor’s appointments. The readings helps me to afford to eat healthfully. For example, Bison Bone broth which helps build my blood count and aid in a healthier digestive tract, is $11.99 a jar, and one jar is equivalent to one bowl of soup, of which it’s been recommended that I have at least on a day. While $11.99 daily, may not seem like a lot of money, the broth is the same as medicine for me and adds up very quickly. And of course, insurance will not help with the cost for the broth because it is considered a holistic approach to wellness.

The other thing that keeps me going is my effort to find a cure for childhood cancer. It is easier to attack the cousin to your illness, rather than face the need for a cure to your own illness, because the need to survive on a day-to-day basis, outweighs the need to find a long-term cure. Therefore, my plan of attack is to wear the best armor to attack the monster of cancer, as it encroaches on children who are the least deserving of a childhood filled with pain, medication and repeated hospital visits. I get strength to be victorious in my own battle from helping these littlest fighters. The month of July is extremely important to me because it tis the month that the world lost one of the most beautiful, brave, intelligent, talented warriors I have ever known, Talia Joy Castellano. One of her last Instagram posts, was a photograph of Talia;s nails and those of her mom and her friend, Tammy, painted in mint. So, for that reason, Talia’s Mint Manis was started in July, to raise awareness for childhood cancer and for fundraising efforts to raise money for Glam Wars, a program that Talia started where now her mom and sister, go into children’s hospitals, and do makeovers for little girls undergoing chemo. Talia’s foundation is growing every day and making its mark against the war against childhood cancer. However, travel expenses, supplies, and various other costs add up, so in order to continue growing and spreading Talias’s Legacy, donations are a must! Please go to www.taliaslegacy.org. Go to the tab marked Glam Wars, and donate, even a dollar, to help this program. If you can’t donate, treat yourself and your loved ones, to a mint manicure, and help spread awareness about childhood cancer and Talia Joy. Currently, Talia’s Legacy foundation is selling “I Love Glam War” T-shirts. To see these awesome T-shirts, please go to taliastore.com, and check them out. Talia at her young age, taught me how to apply make-up, to appreciate the art of make-up, and inspired a passion for make-up that gave me confidence as someone in a wheelchair, and now, someone in a wheelchair with no hair. It is because of her, that I have the courage and confidence to embark on a new journey, being a representative for the amazing company, Younique Cosmetics. This brand is cruelty-free and organic in nature. The philosophy is to empower and uplift women worldwide. If you are in need of new mascara or any make-up or skin care product, please check out my new website, www.wheelchairbarbie.com, and as soon as I am a little bit more consistent with my work schedule and my physical strength improves, I will be using part of the money I make from selling and promoting Younique, to make regular donations to Talia’s Legacy and Glam Wars. For this you have my word, because the Castellanos are like family, and when you take care of family, through the circle of life, you’re taking care of yourself.

While the month of March is known for the luck of the Irish, I found this March to be the luck of a lifetime. On March 16, one of my best friends, Sandra, and I headed to Orlando, Florida, to visit my friends, who are now more like family, the Castellanos. Sandra and I enjoyed the scenic drive as I told her more about Talia Joy Castellano, the sweet little angel who touched my life as I was in search of make-up tutorials, to prepare me for a large stage event. Little did I know, I would click onto a video, connecting me to a then-little girl, who would forever have a place in my heart. When Talia and I first began communicating, it was strictly about eyeliner, eyeshadow brushes, drugstore make-up vs. high-end,and things of that nature. Over time, she taught me not only about make-up, but also about life itself. In fact, as it would turn out, some of the greatest spiritual and life lessons that I live by today, were first imparted to me by taliajoy18, a make-up guru, who was in fact a spiritual guru, whether she knew it or not. Over the course of two and a half years, she taught me how to blend make-up, but also how to be proud of yourself. one of the greatest lessons we all go through is self-acceptance, and while Talia’a self-acceptance grew from battling a horrible monster known as neuroblastoma, not only did she learn to accept herself, but she also used Youtube and social media to shine like a sparkly diamond, spreading her light like a prism, embracing all colors, ethnic backgrounds and spiritual beliefs, through make-up.

I found it difficult to write this blog, because it is so hard to articulate in words the essence and beauty of Talia and her message. Then, this afternoon, I went with another best friend, to see Disney’s new version of Cinderella. That movie, in its humor, beauty and cryptic messages, gave me the inspiration to sit down and write this blog. The movie, Cinderella, addressed the lesson of self-expression and self-acceptance, and a light bulb came on in my head. Talia not only found acceptance in her circumstances, but also was able to rise above them, finding acceptance and spreading kindness. Kindness was also a repeated theme throughout Cinderella’s story, and the final ingredient in the happily ever after fairy tale was magic. Talia found her magic through make-up. In this life that we live, magic doesn’t obviously come in a bottle labeled “fairy dust.” Magic is something we have to find within ourselves and share it, through a passion that makes us happy and feel love towards ourself. Without self-love, we can not fully express who we are , and without full expression, we can not give the best of ourselves.. Therefore, because my trip to Orlando was to honor such a special person, who found her own magic, the trip itself was magical.

As we pulled up to the house, I was nervous. I wasn’t even sure why i was nervous. Perhaps, in part because of anticipation. Perhaps, in part because Talia and I had talked about me coming to visit her, several times before she passed. Or, perhaps because I didn’t want the trip to end and I knew the minute I entered the house, the end was closer. As soon as you enter the house, you feel so much love and you understand how Talia was so extraordinary. she could not have been as confident, as talented or inspiring, if she did not have the amazing foundation of her mother, her sister and her stepfather’s shoulders to stand on. I felt as though i had been in the house so many times, recognizing all the different areas where Talia had done series

of videos. I also felt like I was coming home because Desiree, Talia’s mom had been waiting for us, and there was a delicious plate of food, with our names on them! The trip also brought up emotions for me because it had been such a long time since felt like I belonged. As we enjoyed the food, we heard stories about Talia and shared about ourselves to get to know each other even better. But, the one common factor is that we each love Talia and she had been the one who brought all of us together.

When I entered, her bedroom, I felt as though any minute she would run through the door. Her bedroom is beautiful and captures her essence perfectly, filled with tribute paintings, and portraits and, of course, and certainly not least, her make-up. the next day, as we prepared for the march, an annual fundraiser to raise money for Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital, where Talia was treated, I felt Talia with us every second as I put on my make-up, and sure enough, during a conversation about tweezers, one of Talia’s pictures fell over, a sure sign that she agreed with what we were talking about. I had planned to walk with my walker during part of the walk, but was unable to, because the pathway was too uneven, which meant that it was a team effort to push me over the course of the march. Sometimes, it was two people at once, sometimes it was Desiree who was quite familiar with a wheelchair, and sometimes it was a nice handsome gentleman, and other times, it was old and new friends lending a hand, to make sure that this member of Talia’s team was not left behind.

After the march, a group of us went to Talia’s gravesite. I have to say her headstone is by far, the most beautiful headstone I have ever seen, and it completely exemplifies what Talia was and still is. Also, there is a beautiful tree that stands guard closely to what feels like a private sanctuary. You feel nothing but peace and serenity there. I, once again, found myself emotional, not because we were at a cemetery, because as a medium, I know that Talia’s spirit is not there, but because the headstone and foot stone are so beautiful and Desiree and Mattia work endlessly to honor Talia’s memory and carry on her legacy. It made me realize how blessed she is to have such an amazing family. One can only hope, no matter how far in the future, that they are loved to such an extent that he/she is memorialized in such a way. And that brought emotions because they bring the existence of unconditional love to life. I also felt an amazing connection with the other people who were part of the team and went to the cemetery, as we all sat with our heads bowed, talking or connecting as our “No Fear, Just Faith” T-shirts were lined up around Talia’s tombstone.

After spending time there, we all went together for dinner at Talia’s favorite sushi restaurant, ordering some of her favorites. Once again, I felt her spirit as we laughed and shared stories about her extraordinary life. I also felt a huge connection with Talia’s dog, Bella. She was filled with excitement, so much love and personality. She was definitely meant to be Talia’s dog, and wanted to be in the center of everything. Just like her mother, she is tiny, but feisty. I thought I loved and respected Talia before this trip, but now the respect and love I have for her is everlasting. Her strength, happiness and talents far exceed those of most individuals twice her age. I will continue to support Talia, her legacy, and her family, until the day that the words, “childhood cancer is cured,” can be read in medical journals and shared worldwide. Until then and beyond, Talia’s Legacy will march on with a shining, magical make-up angel leading the way.

This trip was special and magical from the very beginning. There was no wheelchair-accessible van to rent to get us from South Florida, where I live, to the 3.5 hours to get to Cape Canaveral where the ship was docked, so we had to rent a regular van and borrow a transport ramp for cargo, from a local wheelchair shop. The ramp was heavy and cumbersome, as it folded in fours to make a 6-ft. size more portable. However, the dilemma still remained on how to get me into the passenger seat because it was not sturdy or safe enough for me to drive my power wheelchair up the ramp into the van. The wheelchair had to be driven by someone else into the van, and I needed assistance to get into the passenger seat of the van, which was very high in height, without a step to get into the seat. Our next-door neighbor who is a firefighter in Palm Beach county, is usually willing to lend a hand, but it just so happened that he was not at home, so my best friend ran in the rain, door-to-door, knocking on the neighbors’ doors, to see if anyone could assist helping me into the van, afraid we were going to miss the cruise. I, on the other hand, was not worried, because I knew my little angel, Talia, was going to make it happen! Then, two, beautiful, generous young men that live at the end of the street came out to help. I had met them in passing while walking the dog or at different neighborhood functions, but did not know them well. Sure enough, after they approached the van, the rain stopped briefly and a short-lived rainbow appeared. One of the young men explained that he worked from home and that he could help anytime. The two boys gently lifted me into the car. Of course, before embarking on our journey to Cape Canaveral, we had to stop at the Drive-thru Starbucks. I got a caramel macchiato, Talia’s favorite drink. Then, we were off. When we arrived, the rain stopped.

Fortunately, it was much easier getting out of the van than it was getting into it. A nice man from the port helped Becky remove my electric wheelchair and bring it down the ramp, and out of the van, and place the ramp back safely into the car. It was easy for me to physically get out of the front seat of the van, because gravity helped me get out. We made it onto the ship at about 2:30 and the boat was set to sail at 3:00.

The boat was beautiful, and Becky and I were both filled with anticipation for what was sure to be a magical weekend. Everyone that was part of Talia’s Legacy Cruise ate in the main dining room at 5:45. It gave us a chance to get to know each other and sit as a large family in a beautifully decorated dining room. After dinner, the first night was a make-up tutorial celebration event that was kicked off by a beautiful video of Talia teaching everyone how to apply Cover Girl make-up for a night time look. Then we each got a beautiful zebra-print make-up bag, filled with make-up depending on our skin color. Therefore, I received one for very light skin and Becky received one for medium to olive skin. We also received a backpack that said “Talia Legacy Fan Cruise,” that was filled with a T-shirt, water bottle, stickers and other Talia Joy memorabilia. It was so much fun to watch the young girls, ranging anywhere from 8-18, together looking at their make-up and getting to know each other. Many of them knew each other from social media like Instagram, facebook and of course, YouTube. The host of the Talia’s Legacy event was funny and full of life. I could feel Talia’s presence, the moment we stepped into the showroom where her event was taking place. It was also special to meet the amazing parents of these young girls who also loved Talia and supported their children, in honoring this amazing young girl.

The next morning, I woke up to rocky seas, and unfortunately, many found themselves feeling sick. I, however, like the cradle motion of a rocky boat. I was so excited because we were going to be porting in Nassau, where the famous Atlantis, the first spiritual land, existed, about 70,000 years ago before it sank underwater. Many believe that this Atlantis land is the first place where humans existed. It was thought to be a very spiritual existence, where people recognize their connection to G-d, the Creator, and had limitless possibility for spiritual evolution. It was thought to believe that technology took over, greed became prevalent, and the spiritual power present in the land was manipulated into black magic. When the darkness became prevalent, the island could not handle that lower vibration, and sank. It is believed that Abraham and his sons are the first descendants of the Atlantis people. Given all the spiritual history, I definitely wanted to go explore Nassau, and find Atlantis.

Before I got off the boat, I was able to do readings for the beautiful people in Talia’s group. One of the most magical things that happened is a young girl, accompanied by her mother, came to have a reading and Talia appeared. Talia was bubbly, excited and beautiful, with flawless make-up and her beautiful bald head. Although Talia had never met the little girl who came with her mother for the reading, she knew the little girl was a fan, and told me to tell the little girl that she visits her in her closet. It seemed like a strange message to me, but I have learned to trust what I get as a message. So I said to the girl, “Talia is here, and wants you to know that she is always with you in the closet.” As soon as I said that, the mother and girl began to cry. She said, “Oh my G-d, my make-up table is in my walk-in closet!” For those of you who may be reading this who don’t know, Talia Joy was a beautiful young lady who battled cancer for six years, and during that battle, learned to use make-up as a way to feel confident and express her personality after losing her hair. At the young age of 12, Talia bcame a Youtube sensation with her make-up tutorials, and a recognized make-up artist worldwide in her videos, which also chronicled her battle with cancer.

When I got off the boat at Nassua, where Atlantis exists, it was pouring rain, and the port was like nothing I have ever experienced. People and taxis, and vehicles, and vans, going in all directions with what seemed like no order whatsoever, as little ants all going indifferent directions. when asked about wheelchair accessible transportation, most said no, until there was an older gentleman, who said, “Yes, yes,” however when he pulled up, they pulled out a very narrow, slippery manual ramp that was very steep and I quickly responded, “Thank you, but no thank you;” realizing that it wasn’t worth putting my safety at risk going up the ramp to get into the van. then, a young gentleman stepped out from a little office, that was part of the port, and said, “I know a gentleman who has an automatic ramp that will be much safer for you. I said, “thank you. that sound s like a plan. The funny thing was it became so obvious that Talia was with us this whole time, as Becky was wearing a black “Talis’s Legacy” T-shirt, that stated “no fear, just faith” on the back, and so many of the Bahamian gentlemen were saying “Oh my G-d, no fear, just faith. Love it, praise G-d!” Then, a gentleman walked up to us and said “I’m a pastor of a church. That is great. No fear, just faith. G-d bless you.” And after patiently waiting, a large white van pulled up, with a friendly, heavy-set man with a gorgeous smile who let down an automatic ramp to lift me into the van. On the short ride over to the Atlantis Hotel, one could feel the history on the streets of Nassau, made up of cobblestone; some in need of TLC, but standing proudly, in colorful combinations of a culture built on rich history, and a feeling of community through the Bahamian hospitality. When arriving at the Atlantis Hotel, it demanded attention, and exuded prestige. Pink in color, with gorgeous landscape and fountains at its entrance. The driver let us know that it cost $45 to tour the outside of the hotel, which encompassed small cave-like structures on the grounds that were the exact location of the famous Atlantis island. However, if you went to where the tour begins after 5:00, there is no one to take the payment for the tour and you can freely explore the grounds, and it became ever so clear, which is why we had to wait as long as we did to find the right transportation, bringing us closer to the beloved 5;00 hour, that allowed for free exploration of the land. We walked through this lavish hotel filled with chandeliers made of sea horses, crystals and other sea-inspired decor, colorful carpets, and beautiful boutique-style shops lining the hallways of the hotel. On the lower level of the hotel, there was even a gorgeous art piece that encompassed different shards of crystals, a gigantic crystal sculpture, and I ran into one of the beautiful girls from Talia’s group, and took a picture with her. Then, going back up to the first level of the hotel and walking what seems like an endless corridor, until we got to the end, where you could walk outside through cave and canyon-shaped structures that were created over land that exists above the Atlantis island that is now under water. The caves were filled with glass so you could see the aquarium, or fish, swimming underwater, as you walked through. Becky and I both felt dizzy from the strong vibration of energy that existed in this area. The fish looked like they were out of a cartoon, because they all seemed to be smiling at you. There was a small paved pathway that made it easy to walk through the caves. At the edge of this walkway were the walls of the cave, and if you looked down, you could see an endless supply of crystals which were in their natural formation. To say it was breathtaking, does not even compare to the experience of seeing everything firsthand. At one point, I placed my left hand on the wall of the cave and instantly began downloading information about my previous life on the island of Atlantis, of course, before it sank. I was with my tribe of heart-centered individuals who worked in a kibbutz-like setting, to empower and support the achievement and enlightenment of society. I then heard a message from the ancestors who lived during my incarnation on Atlantis, and I was told, “Go forth in your current incarnation, knowing that we, the ancestors of Atlantis, fully support your movement of love and enlightenment, as you carry the torch in this lifetime. We supported G-d in the effort to bring you and Rebecca together, to forge through with the message of love and empowerment that existed in the fully self-actualized community over 70,000 years ago. There is nothing to fear, for now the people are ready for the high vibrational consciousness and the island will not sink.” I am still trying to process and understand this message, although its power, reverence and realization is becoming more tangible every day. Some of those who I met in Tampa, through Speaking Empire, also stood with me in this past life in Atlantis, and several who I’ve known for a long time in this lifetime, who are part of my core tribe, were also present in the visions of the past life in Atlantis. Time stood still, while Becky held my hand while downloading this amazing energy from Atlantis, and understanding the journey of present-day Atlantis. Without even realizing it, we missed our appointed Dinner Time, and were in a rush to make to back to the boat before it got late.

The second we left the caves, it began pouring rain once more, but this time in monsoon form. The driver who dropped us off, picked us up at the front of the hotel. He said, “it is believed when it rains, it is translucent blessings G-d is pouring over your head, that will continue to take form, even after the rain has stopped.” This makes perfect sense, because since the enlightened and blessed experience of Atlantis, the blessings have been non-stop. I, personally, believe we also invite blessings form G-d when we follow our intuition or take that first step, like my desire to get off the boat and see Atlantis. That is where the concept of “G-d helps those who help themselves,” comes into play. The blessings unfold after we start the movement that perpetuates them forward, through following our inner guidance, prayer and actively living in faith. It was quite funny experiencing the port in the ”after hours,” because unlike the masses of people running around like ants, like when we first arrived, the port was like a desert land, with not a soul around. Dimly lit by street lamps, full of open space unavailable just a few hours before, we hurried back up to the ship, like wet rats, soaked from top to bottom. Then, rushed to the cabin to change into formal wear, to attend the second event in talia’s memory, known as a Glow Party. I threw on my evening dress, some of the make-up I had received the first night in Talia’s make-up bags, and tried to untangle my wet, wind-blown hair. As soon as we entered the showroom where the event was taking place, we were handed a glow necklace and adorable pink ring that lit up, as the DJ played some of Talia’s favorite dance music. I was soon greeted by Desiree, Talis’a mom, who was worried because we were not at dinner, but happy to see us at the party. We all danced as a group to Taylor Swift’s epic song, “Shake it Off.” One of the greatest gifts I received while on the ship, was reconnecting with Talia’s sister, Mattia, who I’d met in person, at Talia’s memorial service. Mattia has become even more elegant, articulate, and a powerful force in the effort to make a tremendous positive difference in this world through her own talents, while carrying with elegance and beauty, Talia’s legacy in all its glory, on her shoulders, alongside of her mother. I was so excited to meet Tammy Delarosa, who is one of Talia’s adult best friends, and, of course, like family to Desiree and Mattia who is the genius individual behind so many of the beautiful photo shoots of Talia and Mattia, and I was filled with joy myself as Tammy took pictures of me with Mattia and Desiree holding a huge size of Talia’s honorary Cover Girl picture. It will also be a dream come true to have a photo shoot session with Tammy, and visit with Desiree and Mattia in the very near future. I got to dance with Desiree, and so many new friends, who were also fans of Talia’s. It was fun and it was a beautiful ending to an already extraordinary day.

Sunday, the last day on the ship, we docked at Coco Kay beach, a small island, with little tiki huts, and the weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky. Though I was happy, because there was still quite a rumble in the sea. I did not get off of the boat in Coco Kay because I had scheduled readings with passengers, and then Rebecca and I sat in the sun, on the deck of the boat, doing work that needed to be complete before my next adventure to Sanibel Island and back to Tampa, for collaboration with Speaking Empire. It is amazing how much work you can complete when there is no distraction of phone, computers, chores and other daily routine “to -do” list items pulling at you. Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for our group dinner at 5:45. This time, which was casual in nature, of course, wearing a Talia T-shirt, supporting that feeling of community and respect for Talia and her family. It was nice to reconnect to our dining room table group that we met the first night, and talk to them about our adventure in Atlantis. Then, it was time for the last night’s event, a Remembrance Night in honor of Talia. This event was by far my favorite. they showed never-before-seen video of Talia, along with unseen family photos, and then, one by one, people got up and began telling their story of how they knew talia and how she made an impact on their lives. So many girls came up to speak, who had never actually met Talia, but her message of hope had saved their lives by her YouTube videos, by helping them feel beautiful when they felt lost, alone and insecure. Before I knew it, I was being encouraged to speak about my little angel, Talia. So, I shared my story of meeting her over YouTube and how she gave me encouragement to embrace the love that I had for make-up and use that love to continue inspiring people and feel good about myself, even in the face of my own limitations and physical illness. As to be expected, all of us were brought to tears that night, although somehow I managed not to cry while speaking of her, even though my voice shook the whole time. I realized I’m quite comfortable speaking in front of people. However, when talking about someone I want to honor, who has impacted me personally, I felt nervous, wanting to make sure that my words could somehow articulate the beauty, the intelligence, multi-faceted talent, and the inspiration and reverence that is, was and forever will be, Talia Joy Castellano.

I know I’ve been keeping everyone on edge, saying that there are exciting things happening, and I can finally reveal some of them!

This weekend is going to be an exciting weekend. On Sunday, I’m going to go to an historical haunted location. I’m going to take pictures and film the experience. Becky, my best friend, manager and sidekick, knows the whole history of the location and is going to see how much I pick up. We have to get special permission to film there, and they do not want the public involved in the private tour, so I can’t reveal the location as of yet, but this is happening on Sunday and I am super-excited.Can’t wait to share this spook-tacular experience of ghost-hunting with all of you. I will also continue to choose subscribers from my You Tube channel for free readings in lieu of the fact that I no longer offer specials or discounts on my readings, in an effort to give back. The only reason I decided to stop giving specials or discounts is because it got confusing when people would gift a reading to someone else, or ask 6 months later, for a special or discount. choosing You Tube subscribers is a win-win situation because you can interact with me through You Tube, and you have a good chance of winning because names are chosen at random through a software on the computer.

November is also going to be fun-filled and exciting. In early November, I am attending a large conference with light workers from all over the world, who come together to build programs and network, supporting each other and creating inspirational speaking engagements to take place worldwide, so stay tuned!! I plan to be coming to a country or town near you! Of course, I will always connect to Spirit and do readings, though these shows will focus more on overcoming life’s obstacles, staying positive and spiritual development as a practical tool of becoming your optimal self. I will share more about this after I attend the conference next month. If you do not, already, please follow me on Instagram at mhevenor for daily inspirations and to get an up-close and personal view of my life in pictures.

Next month, I will also be sailing away on Talia’s Legacy Cruise, doing readings on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship and half of all proceeds will go to Talia’s Legacy, helping children going through chemo. If you are unable to go on the cruise, and would still like a reading and to help an amazing cause, when calling the business line to book a reading, just let it be known you would like half the proceeds to go to Talia’s Legacy. Talia Joy was an inspiration to me to “just keep swimming” whatever life throws your way, and now, she’s still my inspiration, to keep her legacy going and find a cure for childhood cancer.

Many of you have noticed that I have been providing make-up tutorials and pictures over social media. My goal is to help people strengthen their energetic body through make-up and fashion, and, in time, launch my own fashion line for all individuals, incorporating designs that are edgy, fashionable, and practical, if you or someone you love is in a wheelchair. Also, people with fine-motor deficits will find certain garment easier to put on and take off, while of course, never losing their flair, or sense of style.

I have super-duper big projects also taking form that I can’t elaborate on at the moment, but in order to receive more funding and get them up and running, I need a strong presence on all social media outlets, so please, please subscribe to my Youtube channel, mhevenor94, and get your friends and family to do the same, so that more love and light can be shared in this world, not only through Youtube, but also through some other truly amazing projects that are in the works. Last but certainly, not least, I have to tell you what an amazing week I have had serving Spirit. In this past week, I have connected not only to one, but two babies that are in the womb, and have received messages from both of them to give their parents. It truly exemplifies how limitless Spirit is, and how much a person’s spirit already knows or comes into this world knowing, before they fully incarnate into the present lifetime.One baby told me what his hair was going to be like, and that he didn’t like the color of his room - it was too bright. The other baby , who is being carried by another mother, said that she’s doing her best to stay put, because I told her that she can’t come too early, and that she’s going to have a sense of humor and be sarcastic like her mother.

This week, I also connected to a client’s niece who is nine years old and in a coma, and she told me to tell her family that she was going to wake up on Friday, in the afternoon, and indeed she did, at 4 p.m. today. She also told me she was concerned that her mother wasn’t eating and that she knew everything that was going on. I’ve connected to people in comas before, but this was the first time someone told me when they were going to wake up, and indeed, they did, when they said they would! This, too, is a beautiful example of how amazing the human spirit is, and how much in this life, goes on, beyond what we can mentally coprehend or evidently prove with hard- core evidence, although this particular incident definitely proves that someone in a coma, does have a concept of time, and is cognitively aware of what is going on, at least in some cases, such as with this little girl. I share these stories not only to share the awe an amazement that I have for serving Spirit, but also to remind everyone that each individual is so much more than their current circumstances. So often ,we get caught up in the humdrum of daily life, and lose sight of the limitless capability of what we are, as a spiritual being, who is living a physical in-the-flesh life. our soul goes so far beyond our jobs, our pasts, our daily connections. Our soul is a spark of divine energy that has endless possibilities, and it is crucial that we connect with the most powerful, divine light that gave us a piece of the spark. This divine light is who I like to call G-d. I certainly do not know everything, but I do know if you close your eyes and imagine what your perfect life is and what you want it to be, the image of perfection that G-d has for us is already manifested and far exceeds what we can comprehend. In order to make that divine manifestation our truth, the first steps are staying true to ourselves, and taking time to connect to spirit and G-d each day ,so that that that connection grows, bringing about perfect vision for your future, which is actually the preset yet to be lived.

Life, lately, has been a whirlwind. so excited to include clientele in Scotland, Germany, Korea, Denmark, Moscow and additional areas in Australia. It is a perfect example how Spirit is limitless and can offer messages of guidance, love, wisdom, growth, medical intuition and, of course, connect others to their loved ones in heaven regardless of a client’s location in the world. I’m also excited to continue to serve the local community and have found a new local “office space,” at a family-owned coffee shop, tucked away in a hidden little village in Wilton Manors. Also, earlier this month, I celebrated Talia Joy Castellano’s birthday in heaven where she turned 15, enjoying her favorite coffee drink from Starbucks and continuing to use her beauty guru wisdom and technique in my own exploration and enjoyment of make-up. This is a whole new community of artistic individuals that I can help to inspire and learn from. Of course, I am a work in progress, and continue to improve, while having fun at the same time, and look forward to up and coming opportunities to join forces with other local beauty gurus to inspire and create a connection between the world of physical beauty and accentuating an individual’s energetic beauty,by balancing the aura with the help and fun artistic endeavor of make-up. To learn how to enhance your energetic health as well as trending beauty tips, follow me on Pinterest, particularly my board called “Everything Make-Up and Nails.” I am also posting regularly on Instagram.

Earlier today, with the help of two of my best friends, I completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and nominated three people to follow suit. Check that out on YouTube. My channel is mhevenor94.

I am excited to begin a new journey with wheelchair yoga, which I will share with all of you and continuing to work on my new book/movie project. So many new, exciting projects. Stay tuned to follow and enhance your spiritual development, while enjoying the journey with me.

So many things are happening now, both energetically and physically, I am very proud to announce that the Mint Mani fundraiser for Talia was a great success, and I’m very grateful to everyone who participated, making a donation in order to get an e-mail reading. It is so important to lift others up when they are going through a hard time, and even with all the challenges Talia faced with neuroblastoma, losing her hair and later on, pre-leukemia, she found a way to express her personality and continue to enlighten people and inspire people with her make-up. She is just one of thousands of children who have battled, and will battle, the monster known as cancer.

I have always had a fascination with make-up and fashion, since I was very young. Although I did not grow up with role models who were able to show me how to be able to do girly things like make-up, eyelashes or fix my hair, most of what I know I learned by watching others or taught myself. Make-up and fashion are another art form and anyone who knows me well, knows that I am an artist at heart, loving the art of music, dance, anything within the constructs of artistic endeavors. In fact, being in the Drama club at school, and singing, was often a lifeline in a challenging upbringing that also fostered my aspiration for make-up artistry as I diligently watched the costume and make-up professionals that assisted with different theatrical productions. Later on, when I found myself doing large events of readings in front of large audiences and on stage, the need to look glamorous and better educate myself with make-up became even more important and that’s when I stumbled upon Talia’s make-up tutorials.

I share this with you, not only to honor Talia and thank you for the accomplishment reached with the fundraiser, but also to shed light and inspiration, in hopes that people will realize, often a person’s battle is much more challenging than you realize and you never realize how your words can affect someone. I recently started posting more on Facebook and other social media platforms about make-up and fashion, because both make-up and fashion, can be another avenue to enhance your spirituality, even wearing colors of make-up and/or clothing that correlate with the chakras, strengthens your energetic body. To my utter surprise, I received nearly 100 responses from clients, strangers and colleagues in the spiritual field, criticizing me for posting about make-up, saying everything from, “As a spiritual person, I shouldn’t get caught up in things that relate to vanity,” to “I cannot expect to be great at everything,,” and “half the time I don’t even wear make-up, so how can I post about something I know nothing about?” These comments were actually the nicest, there were others that blatantly attacked my physique, and my lack of fashion sense. Usually, I delete such responses with love and go about my life. However, this time I could not do it as easily, because there were so many of them, and I thought it was a great lesson to demonstrate what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes, and how your words will impact them. I haven’t shared this too much with the public, but from age 11, until 25, I battled not one but two eating disorders, predominantly anorexia, with occasional bouts of bulimia. Of course, as is always the case, the eating disorders were less about my physical appearance, but more about finding a way to have control of my body. which I often felt I lacked, because of my environment and perhaps, in light of my being disabled. After many years of therapy, journaling and becoming a counselor myself, I can say wholeheartedly, that I have recovered and have been recovered, since the age of 26. Part of the reason why I love what I do is it allows me to uplift and inspire people, by using the struggles that I have overcome myself as stepping stones and encouragement for others. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get to a place where I can do whatever I want with my hair, make-up &/or fashion and not really care what anyone thinks, as long as it makes me happy. A lot of people know that I take a lot of “selfies” and smile often, but the strength to do that was not a characteristic easily acquired. As I pose for each “selfie,” and bravely experiment with hairstyles and fashion, I hope to serve as an inspiration for all girls and boys alike, who have ever felt unworthy or unattractive, that the future does get brighter, and the strength you have within, to reach for the future and continue moving forward, no matter how slow, is far more beautiful than any physical trait on the outside. I realize the more I strive to spread light and love, the more I will be faced with negativity and criticism from some people, and that that is ok, as long as I have inspired or helped one person, I’ll continue to spread that love and light, in as many ways as possible, embracing and sharing my interests, always finding a way to incorporate spirituality and divine love. I have started a hashtag campaign with a friend of mine in Australia, where we’re going to be sharing our favorite make-up products or looks on Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter, and put the #swimminmakeup4talia. If you would like to share tips or see what we come up with, keep an eye out for this hashtag. Please join in the fun- the more the merrier. And, most important, remember, no matter what, the greatest beauty comes from within, springing from your heart, until it is shared outward.